Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) reaches out but misses a pass during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Vanderbilt running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) runs the ball as Purdue linebacker Markus Bailey (21) comes in for the block during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) is blocked by the Vanderbilt defense during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Vanderbilt running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) is taken down by Purdue linebacker Markus Bailey (21) during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) falls into the end zone to scorer a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue kicker J.D. Dellinger (85) kicks in an extra point during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) celebrates after breaking up a pass from Vanderbilt quarterback Riley Neal (6) during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) runs the ball into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) runs the ball into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue offensive lineman Will Bramel (70) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Vanderbilt wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb (16) reaches up for a pass during the second half of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) drops the ball as the pass is broken up by Vanderbilt safety Dashaun Jerkins (33) during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Payne Durham (87) catches a pass in the end zone over Vanderbilt defensive back Randall Haynie (4) during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

A student kicks in three out of four field goals to win $500 during the third quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

A student celebrates after kicking in three out of four field goals to win $500 during the third quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Officials review a play during the third quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

A cheerleader flies across the field during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Scenes from during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

A spectators celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue quarterback Elijah Sindelar (2) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) drops the ball as the pass is broken up by Vanderbilt safety Dashaun Jerkins (33) during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

The Purdue student section reacts after a play during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

A spectators reads her book in the stands during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Where is the run game? Thirty-one yards on 18 carries. But the passing game, minus one poor decision by quarterback Elijah Sindelar, was working and the Boilermakers stuck with it until the end. It's hard to dock too many letter grades for a unit that produced 540 yards and scored 42 points. David Bell and Amad Anderson are emerging as threats. Rondale Moore just keeps getting better.

DEFENSE

C+

For much of the game, it felt like defense was a strong point for the Boilermakers, who did look much improved from a week before. Vanderbilt still had 491 yards. Dedrick Mackey's interception was Purdue's first takeaway of the year, while Anthony Watts, Markus Bailey and Derrick Barnes all had sacks. It is alarming to see Vanderbilt pick up a first down on third-and-13 with a 49-yard bomb where Mackey was burnt, and to give up a 26-yard pass on a fourth-and-27 late in the first half that allowed Vanderbilt to boot a field goal.

This is a unit that needs a lot of work. While J.D. Dellinger was 6 of 6 on PATs and booted touchbacks on six kickoffs, he missed a 42-yard field goal that left Purdue empty-handed after a 16-play, 75-yard drive that took nearly six minutes. A long punt return by Rondale Moore was called back for a penalty and the punting was atrocious. The Boilermakers had three punts of 25 yards or less and averaged just 29 yards on five punts overall between Brooks Cormier and Danny Corollo. Cormier took a step back after averaging 46.3 yards per punt last week.

Credit the aggressiveness, which was a change from last week where the Boilermakers got conservative with a big lead. Nick Holt was back on the sideline after seeing the Nevada game from the press box because Jeff Brohm felt his strength is being on the field firing up the defense. Take into account the offensive line was beat up and the coaches mixed and matched guys. Using Payne Durham paid off and after saying freshman running back King Doerue needed to catch up to speed on things after practice Thursday, Brohm gave him five carries, which should help. This was a must-win game after last week's debacle and Purdue achieved that.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Rondale Moore's 70-yard reception midway through the fourth quarter came moments after a 75-yard touchdown got Vanderbilt within 11. Moore's catch, where he dragged a defender down inside the 5, seemed to be the backbreaker in the Commodores' comeback attempt. Purdue scored the final touchdown two players later.

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The Trent family admires the Tyler Trent Student Gate with Purdue president Mitch Daniels, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Students listen during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Mike Berghoff , Purdue board of trustees chair, speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Mike Berghoff , Purdue board of trustees chair, speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue president Mitch Daniels speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue president Mitch Daniels speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue president Mitch Daniels speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent, Tyler Trent's dad, listens as Purdue president Mitch Daniels speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Purdue president Mitch Daniels speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Josh Seals, the now junior marketing student who camped outside the Purdue student gate with Tyler Trent in 2017 prior to the Michigan game, during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Mike Bobinski, Purdue Athletics director speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Mike Bobinski, Purdue Athletics director speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Kelly Trent, left, puts her hand on her husband, Tony's back as he speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent, second from left, reacts as he speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Blake and Ethan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent, center, reacts as he speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Blake and Ethan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent, right, points to the students as he speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Blake and Ethan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent, second from left, reacts as he speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Blake and Ethan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent, second from left, reacts as he speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Blake and Ethan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Fans react as Tony Trent speaks during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Blake and Ethan, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

The Trent family turns around to see the Tyler Trent Student Gate unveiled during a dedication ceremony, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

The Trent family turns around to see the Tyler Trent Student Gate unveiled during a dedication ceremony, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

The Trent family admires the Tyler Trent Student Gate with Purdue president Mitch Daniels, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Kelly Trent reacts as he looks at one of the plaques with her husband Tony during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Kelly Trent embraces her husband Tony during a dedication ceremony for the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent yells "Boiler Up" as he walks through the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

A student reacts as he touches a plaque on the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent shakes Stephen Quillin, one of the first students through the the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

Tony Trent shakes Stephen Quillin, one of the first students through the the Tyler Trent Student Gate, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Tyler Trent, the Purdue superfan that drew national attention, lost his battle to bone caner on Jan. 1, 2019. September 7 would have been his 21st birthday. Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier

It's hard to go against a guy who threw for 509 yards and five touchdowns, so I won't, but will give special consideration to Rondale Moore for catching a career-high 13 passes for 220 yards. Elijah Sindelar, though, accounted for six touchdowns and connected with nine different receivers on a day where Purdue's only chance to win was through the air. The last Purdue quarterback to throw for at least 500 yards and five touchdowns? Kyle Orton. The only other Purdue quarterbacks with consecutive 400-plus yards passing games? Drew Brees and Jim Everett. That's good company.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.